By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

You want to know what really bugs people over 50 when they hit the road?

• Inconsiderate drivers. Nearly one out of five thinks this a huge problem and a danger to them.
• Asking others for a ride. Feelings of dependency or concerns about imposing on others are among their most worrisome problems.
• Too few bus stops. Nearly one-quarter cite unavailable destinations and public transportation's lack of accessibility as a major travel deterrent.
• Walking. When you get older "everything is too far away" and "walking is simply too hard" to be of much use as a means of transportation.
• Taxis. They cost too much.

These and many other insights are included in a new report on the transportation needs of people over 50 prepared by the Public Policy Institute of the American Association of Retired People. The study was commissioned to help planners better understand the transportation wants and needs of an increasingly aging nation.

The key to almost every response in the surveys of more than 2,500 people was how a person rates himself or herself on a health and disability status (HDS) chart. Not surprisingly, the better they felt about their health, the more likely they were to get out of the house, drive or walk.

When they do get out, people over 50 rely almost exclusively on driving themselves or ride sharing with others.

"Driving is the usual mode of transportation for four out of every five people over 50," the report says. On the other hand, "walking, public transportation, taxis and community or senior vans were cited as their usual transportation mode by fewer than 5 percent of the respondents."

The report offers several suggestions on how government officials can help improve transportation for those older than 50, including providing better bus service and encouraging subsidies to have senior citizens make better use of taxis and ride-sharing programs.

That "might help reduce the perception of the rider that he or she is imposing a burden on the driver," the report said.

As for the biggest means of transportation for those older than 50 — driving — the report suggests police step up enforcement of traffic safety laws, particularly those that target aggressive driving.

Here's an even better suggestion: Let's all be a little more considerate and tolerant when we see them on the road. We're all going to be in their position someday.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.